1
as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the similar-sounding words "censure" and "censor" often confuse people
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to complicate
to make (something) unclear to the understanding
stop confusing the issue with irrelevant facts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to mistake
to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related
a lot of people confuse popular fame with enduring achievement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to embarrass
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress
she was confused by the shocking bluntness of his marriage proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
vandals had hopelessly confused the papers in the office files
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of confuse
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s investigation of the alternative medicine industry uncovered a pattern of practitioners across Georgia pushing legal limits on what they’re allowed to do and presenting confusing information about their credentials.
—
Carrie Teegardin,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
Bores and his allies contend his opponents are simply trying to confuse voters.
—
Matt Brown,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Zwirner also cautioned against confusing a decline in auction sales of young and contemporary artists with a waning interest in them.
—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
16 June 2026
That version of the film runs seven minutes longer than the theatrical release and restores the film's original opening scene — a cinematic boat race — which clarifies plot beats that were confusing in the theatrical version.
—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for confuse
Carrie Teegardin,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
Bores and his allies contend his opponents are simply trying to confuse voters.
—
Matt Brown,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Zwirner also cautioned against confusing a decline in auction sales of young and contemporary artists with a waning interest in them.
—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
16 June 2026
That version of the film runs seven minutes longer than the theatrical release and restores the film's original opening scene — a cinematic boat race — which clarifies plot beats that were confusing in the theatrical version.
—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for confuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confuse
Verb
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For three years straight, he’s kept up a pace that bewilders the industry’s leading comics.
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The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.
Verb
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This unforeseen shift now complicates Milwaukee's efforts to acquire a substantial draft-heavy package for their superstar.
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Trump previously planned to hold a Cabinet meeting at Camp David in May but canceled plans because of poor weather that would have complicated the helicopter flight to the retreat.
Verb
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No one will mistake Kentucky for Georgia or Alabama, but the Wildcats were a really solid program under former head coach Mark Stoops with regard to both development and production on the field.
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And others largely oppose the presence of Border Patrol agents entirely, who routinely mistake them for migrants.
Verb
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Critics wondered whether prices would crash before kickoff, and if swathes of empty seats would embarrass FIFA’s pricing strategy.
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With no league and no roadmap, a ragtag group of players and an unlikely coach endured a grueling two-year training camp, hoping simply not to embarrass their nation at the first-ever World Cup on American soil.
Verb
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The fires also disrupted travel across parts of Miami-Dade County.
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Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and health conditions like metabolic bone disease can disrupt bone remodeling, leading to weaker bones over time.
Verb
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Sometimes those editing swings make sense, like incorporating more social-media posts and group chats, but other times the stylistic choices simply perplex.
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Many are perplexed by the decision to partner with Target given the boycott taking place due to the company’s rollback of DEI initiatives.
Verb
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As these events unfold, Early’s earnestness blurs comedy and drama, to surprisingly heartfelt effect.
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To soften the look of this nostalgic floral, try blurring its edges to create an airbrushed effect.
Verb
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Proving he wasn't flustered, Gay judged length well, left the ball well, and picked his shots, especially against dangerous New Zealand quicks Will O'Rourke and Smith.
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On the witness stand, the teenager was reportedly combative and flustered by Jackson’s attorney Tom Mesereau, who attempted to poke holes in Gavin’s testimony and allegedly screamed at the boy throughout.
Cite this Entry
“Confuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confuse. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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